First Lady: U.S. intervention in Nigeria a blessing

Mrs. Tinubu spoke in an interview aired by Fox News in Washington, D.C., where she reflected on the growing international focus on Nigeria, including criticisms over insecurity, allegations of attacks on Christians and reported U.S. military actions targeting terrorist groups in parts of the country.

Acknowledging the intensity of the attention, the First Lady said it has opened up the space for dialogue and stronger engagement with international partners.

According to her, the recognition accorded to her by President Donald Trump during the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washigton D.C., arose from the global focus on Nigeria.

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“It was quite a blessing. Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? Even to say the least, it was unexpected,” she said, linking the moment to broader conversations now taking place about Nigeria’s security realities and reform efforts.

According to her, difficult moments often precede positive outcomes, adding that increased global attention could ultimately benefit Nigeria and the U.S.

She said: “If something is going to be good, it will come from the rubbles. And it starts like that. Then we have the attention, the conversations, and we expect there will be more. It’s going to yield better fruit for us, both for Nigeria and for America.”

Mrs. Tinubu also addressed concerns raised in some U.S. policy circles over claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, insisting that insecurity in the country is not a faith-based campaign but a broader challenge driven by terrorism and criminality.

She said the Federal Government was actively confronting insecurity and engaging international partners to clarify the realities on the ground.

The First Lady highlighted steps taken by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, including the recruitment of additional police and military personnel, the arming of Forest Guards to secure ungoverned territories inhabited by militants, and the redeployment of security forces to flashpoints such as Plateau, Benue and Taraba states.

“Our country encourages freedom of religion, which is entrenched in our constitution. We are focused on protecting our people while also creating conditions for economic growth,” she said.

During the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast on January 5, President Trump publicly recognised the First Lady, describing her as “a very respected woman” and “a Christian pastor in the largest church in Nigeria.”